Because the break you’re craving isn’t on your screen.

It starts innocently enough.

You pick up your phone to check a message…
Five minutes later, you’re deep into a thread, a reel, or a “quick scroll” through someone else’s vacation photos, professional updates, or big summer projects.

And suddenly, you’re not resting—you’re comparing.
You’re not connecting—you’re consuming.
You’re not leading—you’re losing yourself in the noise.

Welcome to summer scroll season. And if you’re feeling distracted, depleted, or disconnected, you’re not alone.

Listen. Learn. Lead.

One of the rhythms I return to in my own work is a simple self-check cycle:

Listen to yourself.
Notice what your body, your mind, and your emotions are telling you about your digital habits. Are you energized or drained after 10 minutes on your favorite app?

Learn from your energy patterns.
Track your time and mood. When are you most focused? What derails your momentum? What makes you anxious or discouraged, and what helps you reset?

Lead yourself well.
Steward your time and attention like the leadership gifts they are. Model balance in ways that encourage your team—and your family—to do the same.

Tech Overwhelm is Real—and Fixable

Here’s what I’ve learned (and am still learning):
Technology isn’t the problem.
Unintentional use is.

If we want this summer to feel different, we have to interact with tech differently. That starts with intention and ends with boundaries.

Here are a few things that are helping me this July:

1. Set a timer.

Before opening your favorite app, set a limit. 10 minutes is often enough to connect, check in, and move on.
Pro tip: I use a 90-minute timer when I need focused time to write or reflect—and keep my phone in another room.

2. Clear your digital clutter.

Unfollow accounts that spark stress. Mute stories. Unsubscribe from newsletters that drain your attention (yes, even if they’re mine!). Simplify your online space to serve your peace.

3. Schedule screen-free rituals.

Protect one hour a day—or one full evening a week—for screen-free time. Use that time to journal, walk, pray, or just be. I promise, the world will wait.

4. Keep a Purpose Post-it nearby.

Before you open an app, ask: Why am I here? If the answer doesn’t align with your intention, don’t go.
Your focus is your most finite resource—guard it

Worth Re-reading

Learning to Let Things Go (Blog Post)
This post is one of my personal favorites—a reminder that some of the best leadership lessons come when we loosen our grip and create space.

You are Not Behind

If social media has convinced you that everyone is doing more, being more, or achieving more, it’s lying.

Here’s the truth:
You don’t need to scroll to stay inspired.
You don’t need to be “on” to be valuable.
And you are not behind—you’re just being human.

Breathe. Disconnect. Reconnect.
You were never meant to be available 24/7.

With you in this,
Jessica
#PrincipalinBalance

Want more simple tools to protect your time, energy, and focus?
Here is my free resouce: Protecting Your Peace-Regulating Tech Use
Grab your copy of Principal in Balance here → Principal in Balance

Want to go deeper? My self-paced course, Master Your Schedule, offers a complete system to help you build a calendar—and a life—you don’t need a break from. →Master Your Schedule *and use Friends25 for 25% off the course for the summer only!